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• VIKING JOHNSON RETAIN YORKSHIRE WATER CONTRACT Click for more>

  May 26th 2010 26

  • Viking Johnson, a leading utilities brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities, has secured the contract to supply Yorkshire Water with high quality couplings and adaptors. The contract is worth around £5m to Viking Johnson over the next 5 years.

    The Company has successfully supplied Yorkshire Water with couplings and adaptors on contract for the last 20 years. This latest award is the continuation of a long standing business relationship between both companies. The utility framework agreement was signed by both parties at Viking Johnson’s manufacturing site in Hitchin. Malcolm Sykes and David Brown from Yorkshire Water met with Nick Rowe, Mark Hopes and Peter Wilson at the facility to formally sign the supply contract.

    Viking Johnson is the world leader in the supply of mechanical couplings and adaptors, pipe repair products, expansion joints and flow control solutions for the water industry. A wide range of innovative and reliable VJ products including MaxiFit, EasiClamp, Flexlock and AquaGrip products will be installed throughout Yorkshire Water’s extensive pipeline network and in treatment works projects over the period of the contract.

    With more than 40,000 miles of water and sewerage mains, 700 treatment works and 120 reservoirs, Yorkshire Water supply around 1.24 billion litres of drinking water each day. Viking Johnson products will help in the process of collecting, treating and distributing water around Yorkshire to where it is needed most.

    

    From left to right: Mark Hopes (Crane BS&U), Peter Wilson (Crane BS&U), David Brown (Yorkshire Water), Malcolm Sykes (Yorkshire Water),
    Nick Rowe (Crane BS&U)

• NEW DPCV RANGE EXTENDS FLOWMASTER FAMILY Click for more>

  February 12th 2010 25

  • Hattersley - a leading brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities - has launched a range of Differential Pressure Control Valves (DPCVs).

    Part of the FlowMaster range of commissioning valves, the DPCV is compact and modern in design and is available for both flow (F300) and return (R300) configurations in sizes DN15 to DN50. The DPCV operates across a temperature range of -10 to 100°C and is PN16 rated.

    The stem position is controlled by the differential pressure acting across the diaphragm. The stem closes on rising differential pressure and opens on falling differential pressure. The valve will continue to move in this way until equilibrium of pressure is achieved.

    The DPCV can be set on installation to a maximum differential pressure limit of 20 to 100 kPa. Under dynamic balancing conditions, the valve can then be adjusted easily on commissioning as conditions dictate. This ensures that differential pressure cannot exceed the set control limit thus maintaining the control authority of the two port control valve.

    Installing DPCVs into a system brings numerous benefits - they control the differential pressure and therefore flow rate, and also help reduce pump energy consumption, when using a variable system. In fact, BSRIA figures suggest that DPCVs help reduce the pump energy consumption of a typical heating system by 60-70%. In addition, the risk of noise is lower and a consistent circuit performance is maintained.

    A system which contains a DPCV remains balanced independent of any changes in other areas of the circuit, allowing commissioning to be carried out in sections. This means the entire system does not need to be commissioned at the same time which greatly simplifies the balancing and commissioning procedure.

    An impulse tube is supplied with the DPCV to link and transport pressure between flow and return pipework. It plays an essential role in allowing the DPCV to open and close depending on system conditions.

    When paired with the Hattersley (DP1732) companion valve, the DPCV can be used to set and maintain a flow rate. By using the DP1732 Fixed Orifice Double Regulating Valve to measure, the DPCV can be adjusted to set the required design flow rate. Any variations in other areas of the system will therefore not impact on the flow rate to the sub-circuit.

    The new DPCV is quick and easy to install, has a long life expectancy and is designed to require little or no maintenance.

    

    DPCV Valve.

• VIKING JOHNSON PRODUCT SECURES SBWWI INNOVATION AWARD Click for more>

  November 24th 2009 24

  • An innovative, cost-saving product developed by Viking Johnson, in consultation with Morrison Utility Services, has won the acclaimed SBWWI Water Dragons Innovation Award. Viking Johnson is a leading brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities. A second Crane product, developed under the WASK brand, achieved the runner up position.

    The Through-Bore Hydrant, winner of the Best Innovation Award, is a product that allows easy access to pressurised water distribution mains. Pipe inspection, maintenance or repair is achieved without the need for excavation or extensive highway occupation. The Through-Bore Hydrant allows water companies to maintain continual water supply to customers during repair/maintenance activity as well as achieve a significant reduction in costs, health & safety risks and traffic disruption.

    The WASK Aquastop MKII, the award runner up, has been developed to deliver a fast and efficient under pressure line stop capability for water distribution mains. The product offers time and cost savings as it allows for a significant reduction in the excavation footprint and a double stop-off can be deployed within 30 minutes of the main being exposed. In addition, the by-pass facility enables the repair or system extension to be completed without disrupting the supply of water to end users.

    Viking Johnson and WASK have been working with Morrison Utility Services and Yorkshire Water in trials of the products, which have already proven successful in the field.

    "We are delighted that the ingenuity and hard work of our research and development teams has been recognised and thank Morrison Utility Services for their contribution," said Jonathan Clegg, Product Engineering & Quality Director at Crane Building Services & Utilities. "We will continue to support the water companies and contractors in their drive to improve all aspects of water and waste water service delivery."

    For more information on the Through-Bore Hydrant or the Aquastop MKII please contact Simon Shand-Brown, Group Marketing Communications Manager on 01473 277300 or sshand-brown@crane-ltd.co.uk.

    

    Jonathan Clegg, Product Engineering & Quality Director, Crane Building Services & Utilities (right) and Tony Hanks of Morrison Utility Services

• CRANE KEEPS OLD BAILEY OFFICES COOL Click for more>

  October 29rd 2009 23

  • More than 80 CommPac manifolds from Crane Fluid Systems – a brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities – have been installed in the heating and cooling system of London’s newest large office building as a result of Crane’s reputation for quality and reliability.

    Construction work on 10 Old Bailey – developed by MWB Group plc and funded by Standard Life Investments – has just been completed. It offers a total area of 6,700 sq m (73,000 sq ft) over eight floors but has been designed for easy sub-division into separate units.

    The CommPac manifolds play a key role in the building’s ability to adapt to the needs of future occupiers.

    Heating and cooling for the offices is provided by a four-pipe fan coil system, with two-port control valves, mounted in the ceiling voids. A condensate collection system is provided to drain the fan coils to waste stacks in the building’s two core risers.

    Air handling units supply fresh air to each floor and return air is drawn through the suspended ceiling voids to riser ductwork, located in the cores, which takes it up to roof level for exhausting to the atmosphere. A refrigeration and boiler plant, which generates chilled water for cooling and hot water for heating, is also located at roof level.

    CommPac commissioning modules are used to allow flexibility in operation. Pipework is run out to the fan coils from the manifolds, each of which has a spare capped unit to permit the addition of a further fan coil unit without having to drain the system.

    The modules provide easy access points for separately commissioning and maintaining the heating and cooling water systems on each floor. Careful siting of the units within the building ensures that maintenance work can be carried out with minimum disruption to the occupiers.

    The CommPac units that were installed in 10 Old Bailey were supplied to mechanical and electrical engineering contractor EI.WHS.

    The M&E project manager of EI.WHS, John Badger, said: "The design of the CommPac reduces the need for randomly positioned commissioning valves, thus helping to free space for other services. This creates easier design co-ordination and a better installation environment."

    "The modules enable single engineers to carry out multiple tasks such as flushing, venting or balancing the system. All the connections are situated externally of the manifold box, this makes for a quick easy connection process whilst keeping the more fragile commissioning components protected from every day site conditions. Overall a very good unit and a professional service."

    Andrew Hull of Progressive Design Solutions, the company that designed the heating and cooling system for EI.WHS, said:
    "We looked at alternatives but the Crane equipment was better built and offered benefits in both commissioning and use – and, of course, Crane has a long-established reputation in the industry."

    

    External view, 10 Old Bailey

    

    Design model, 10 Old Bailey

    

    Services installation at 10 Old Bailey

    

    Crane CommPac manifold

• WASK AND SPERRYN EXHIBIT AT THE WORLD GAS EXHIBITION 2009 Click for more>

  October 28rd 2009 22

  • WASK and Sperryn, leading gas utilities brands of Crane Building Services & Utilities, attended the 2009 World Gas Exhibition in Buenos Aires.

    Below are some images of the event.

     

• VIKING JOHNSON LAUNCH INNOVATIVE EASIRANGE PIPELINE REPAIR CLAMP Click for more>

  October 23rd 2009 21

  • The launch of a unique pipeline repair clamp from Viking Johnson, world leaders in pipe joint, repair & flow control products, looks set to revolutionise the water industry and aid water companies in achieving the water leakage targets set by Ofwat.

    The Remote EasiClamp and EasiTap products are an exciting and revolutionary enhancement of the proven EasiRange system. Remotely installed by a single operator in just 60 seconds, they deliver a quick, safe and permanent repair solution for damaged pipes at full operational pressure - without the need to enter the trench and within a small excavation footprint.

    The major benefits of this innovative and patented repair solution include the ability to maintain continual water supply to customers, the minimising of health and safety risks to operatives and a significant reduction in installation costs, traffic disruption and spoil.

    In the development of this revolutionary fitting Viking Johnson worked closely with Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions to ensure the new clamp exceeded the requirements of both operators and water companies. The clamp consists of two halves that are hinged, fully opening to permit quick and easy fitting on the pipe. Two patented self-retaining bolts are used to tighten up the clamp which speeds up the repair process and minimises disruption to water supply.

    Mark Hopes, Group Sales & Marketing Director for Crane Building Services & Utilities of which Viking Johnson is a leading brand said "This is one of the most exciting repair solutions to come out of the water industry in years. Moreover it offers a huge cost reduction benefit to our customers. The cornerstone of our research and development programme is a commitment to design products that benefit not only our customers in the water industry but also the general public and the environment. We are proud to have developed a system that will aid water leakage targets, remove injury risk to operatives, minimise traffic disruption and reduce the impact of pipeline repair on the environment."

    For more information on the range or to attend one of the demonstration seminars planned for early 2010 please contact Simon Shand-Brown, Group Marketing Communications Manager on 01473 277300 or sshand-brown@crane-ltd.co.uk

    

    The Viking Johnson EasiClamp and installation tool

    

    The Viking Johnson EasiClamp & EasiTap offer a rapid solution for pipe repair & tapping

• CRANE BS&U AT THE MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL SHOW - OLYMPIA Click for more>

  October 20th 2009 20

  • Leading brands of Crane BS&U, Crane Fluid Systems, Hattersley, NABIC & Brownall attended the M&E show at Olympia in October 2009.

    Below are some images of the event.

     

• CRANE FLUID HANDLING PRESENTS ITS NEW 2009 EDITION OF TECHNICAL PAPER No. 410 Click for more>

  September 24th 2009 19

  • Enhanced by its companion website application enabling users to derive application solutions based on their parameters in real time. www.flowoffluids.com

    CRANE Fluid Handling, a leading provider of highly engineered products for fluid handling applications worldwide, today announced the availability of the 2009 edition of Crane’s Technical Paper No. 410 (TP-410).

    Developed and published by Crane and distributed via www.flowoffluids.com (an ESI business), the TP-410 is a technical resource for engineers, designers and engineering students that explains the flow of fluid through valves, pipes and fittings to aid in the appropriate selection of equipment for piping systems. Originally developed in 1942, the TP-410 has been updated several times, but the 2009 edition marks the introduction of a companion website containing a suite of web-based tools that solve equations found within the paper. Other new entries include chapters on Pumps, Control Valves and Flow Meters, as well as an updated bibliography and technical references.

    "We are excited about the new updates and the online aspect that will be incorporated in bringing all of its users up to date, and recruiting new ones that aren’t currently aware of its benefits." Said Dale Friemoth, VP Business Development at Crane, "We are hoping that the seamless integration of the new Flow of Fluids website with the 2009 edition of Crane’s TP-410 will prove to be both beneficial and appreciated by the engineering and valve communities,"

    About Crane
    Crane Co. is a diversified global manufacturer of engineered industrial products traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CR). One of its segments, Crane Fluid Handling, provides highly engineered products for fluid handling applications worldwide.

    

     

• CRANE SHOWS ITS FULL RANGE OF EXPERTISE AT M&E EVENT Click for more>

  September 16th 2009 18

  • Crane Building Services & Utilities will be exhibiting its main building services brands at this year’s M&E Building Services Event at London Olympia, 7-8 October.

    Stand B100 in the Grand Hall will host Crane Fluid Systems, Hattersley, Nabic and Brownall, highlighting their extensive range of valves, pipe fittings, manifold systems, air eliminators and other related products for balancing and controlling HVAC systems.

    Crane Building Services & Utilities will use this opportunity to showcase some of its new products including its DPCV. Crane’s sales managers, specification team and product managers will be on hand to answer any questions on the company’s new and existing ranges.

    In addition specialist consultant Chris Parsloe will be presenting Crane BS&U’s CPD module on variable flow systems on 7 October at 15.30.

    Crane Building Services & Utilities group marketing communications manager Simon Shand-Brown says: "With its high profile backing from CIBSE, ECA and HVCA, the Building Services Event provides the perfect opportunity for us to bring our latest solutions to the market."

    

     

• HATTERSLEY HOOKS UP THE CUBE Click for more>

  September 8th 2009 17

  • HVAC Compact Hook-Up units from Hattersley are being installed in Birmingham’s new 'show piece' building, The Cube, which is under construction in the city centre.

    Described as a 'city within a city', the £100 million 23-storey building is the final phase in Birmingham’s Mailbox development. It will house apartments, offices, shops, a hotel, restaurants and car parking.

    Throughout The Cube, Compact Hook-Up flow management modules, part of the Hattersley FlowMaster range, will be used to connect HVAC terminal units such as fan coils and chilled beams.

    The units provide flow control, flow measurement, system and coil flushing and isolation capabilities from a single compact and lightweight unit. Built from bronze and DZR brass they can be used for chilled and heating water systems from -10 °C to 120°C.

    For contractor Robert Prettie and Co, which won the £16 million HVAC and mechanical engineering contract, the fact that the Hattersley Compact Hook-Up has only four onsite connections and is delivered assembled and tested, offers significant reductions in cost compared with alternatives.

    Ian Conway of Robert Prettie said: "We have used Hattersley products on many contracts over the years and found both the company and the products to be totally reliable."

    As well as the Hook-Ups, The Cube’s HVAC systems will use a range of other Hattersley valves for heating, chilled water, domestic hot and cold water and gas supply systems.

    Work on construction of this iconic building is more than half complete with gold anodised cladding now being fitted to the concrete frame. When it is finished in 2010, The Cube will dominate the city’s skyline.

    Related: Download article from www.heatingandventilation.net

    

    HVAC Compact Hook-Up flow management modules from Hattersley are being installed in Birmingham’s new 'show piece'
    building, The Cube, to connect HVAC terminal units such as fan coils and chilled beams.

    

    When it is finished in 2010, The Cube will dominate the city’s skyline.

• NEW WRAS-APPROVED BALL VALVE FROM HATTERSLEY Click for more>

  September 8th 2009 16

  • Hattersley has launched a new range of WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approved DZR brass ball valves. The range includes six compression sizes from 15 to 54 mm and eight threaded sizes from ¼" to 2".

    With the aim of reducing the risk of installation damage, Hattersley have added extra seals to the new ball valves. A metal to metal primary seal on the body seat retainer joint, combined with loctite 648 seal provides greater strength and sealing capabilities. An O ring seal in the main joint provides additional protection against leakage for the threaded versions.

    A waterproof and tear-resistant tag attached to each valve gives installation instructions, including the number of wrench turns needed to give positive sealing without over-tightening. Hattersley valves also fully comply with thread length as specified in BS EN 10266.

    The DZR brass used in their construction means they are suitable for use over a temperature range from –10 to 120 degrees Celcius, making them ideal for HVAC applications. Their WRAS approval means they can also be used with potable water supplies.

    There is a range of operating handle options including extended stem lever, 'T' handle, lockshield and quarter turn lever. A quarter turn is all that is required to move from fully closed to fully open positions.

    

    The new Hattersley DZR ball valve.

    

    The new Hattersley DZR ball valve.

• HATTERSLEY HELPS SUSTAIN HEATHROW Click for more>

  August 28th 2009 15

  • Heathrow Airport, Terminal 5 is Europe's most modern- airport facility. Open in April 2008, it can handle 35 million passengers a year at full capacity. High quality valves and commissioning stations from Hattersley aid ventilation and recycle water throughout the new hub.

    Terminal 5 has two separate water sources for non drinking uses - a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) and groundwater bore holes - which account for 70 per cent of the water supplied to T5. The RHWS uses water extracted from a surface water run-off lake which is pumped back to an energy centre where it is treated for reuse. Together, the RWHS and bore holes enable water to be supplied at a rate of 55 litres per second.

    Compact Hook-Ups, part of the Hattersley FlowMaster range, have been installed in the energy centre and throughout the terminal. They are essential in efficiently controlling flow rates of heating and chilled water around the building so that ventilation remains consistent throughout the year. They are connected to fan coils and other HVAC terminal units throughout the site.

    Hattersley Compact Hook-Up flow management modules provide flow control, flow measurement, flushing and isolation capabilities from a single lightweight unit. Built from bronze and DZR brass, they are PN16 rated and can be used for chilled or heating water systems from -10°C to 120°C.

    The fact that the Compact Hook-Up has only four connections offers significant reductions in installation costs and time compared with alternatives. Electrical and mechanical engineering consultants, DSSR, specified Hattersley valves for the project because of their durable quality, ease of installation and consistent stock levels via distribution.

    For this prestigious project, Hattersley valves were supplied via BSS, to subcontractors, Crown House Technologies and AMEC.

    

     

• LITTLE ENERGY SAVINGS ADD UP TO BIG SUMS IN SUSTAINABLE SCHOOLS Click for more>

  August 27th 2009 14

  • Small energy savings delivered by often overlooked components can deliver large cumulative benefits. Andy Lucas explains.

    Local authorities which are building schools under the government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme are incorporating sophisticated building management systems (BMS) and other new technologies into their projects to achieve savings in energy use and CO2 emissions.

    These systems can deliver impressive efficiency benefits. Some new school developments, however, are improving even on these results by adopting a design approach which includes attention to detail in specifying individual system components.

    Designers on these projects are demanding that things such as HVAC valves should be lighter in weight, more compact in order to save on space and to have a higher degree of accuracy in order to minimise energy usage. Manufacturers such as Crane Fluid Systems - a brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities - are rising to the challenge with value-engineered products designed to maximise energy efficiency.

    One school currently under construction adopting such a detailed design approach is Bideford College which Devon County Council is showcasing as a national demonstrator in BSF. Phase one of the new college is due to be complete in July 2010.

    The ambition is to make the school exceed the requirements for the award of a nationally recognised accreditation for reduced heating, energy and water consumption set out in the government's guidelines entitled Sustainable Schools - For Pupils, Communities and the Environment.

    Devon County Council is trying to make the new £44 million college as close as possible to being a carbon neutral site using cutting edge environmental and ecological systems to reduce CO2 emissions.

    The college will have bio-mass boilers burning woodchip rather than gas (with gas boilers installed as a backup), solar heating and a rain-water recycling system for use in flushing WCs.

    The naturally ventilated building will be managed in zones. All the systems will be controlled by a sophisticated BMS which will monitor heat gains and cooling and operate additional mechanical heating and cooling systems accordingly.

    Devon County Council developed the BMS system with NPS South West property consultants. The system specified by NPS is being installed by electrical and mechanical engineers MITIE.

    The regulating and commissioning valves, check valves, ball valves and strainers for the HVAC system have been supplied by Crane Fluid Systems via its distributor in the South West, BSS.

    Cumulative energy savings: The heating and cooling elements of the HVAC system work at maximum efficiency when operating as close as possible to their design parameters - which requires the valves controlling the fluid flow to deliver precisely the right amount of hot or cold water.

    Static valves from Crane's Pro-Balance range have therefore been specified at Bideford College to control the flow of water around the heating and cooling systems. They will be used to balance the systems and measure flow with an accuracy of +/- 5 per cent. Performing to standards identified by CIBSE and BSRIA, the valves will enable the systems to manage flows at maximum efficiency.

    Keith Dixon, senior mechanical engineer with NPS, said: "Commissioning valves from Crane Fluid Systems allow us to accurately regulate and balance flow rates in the system. They help the system to perform consistently to optimise performance and thereby create significant energy savings."

    The biggest energy load in a HVAC system, of course, is the heating and cooling itself. However, the pumps driving water circulation are also significant consumers of energy - even variable speed pumps controlled by a BMS which match power consumption to the flow required.

    Further small but significant energy savings can be delivered by specifying low loss regulating valves and ball valves (used to isolate sections of the system for maintenance and other purposes) where the bore diameter is the same as the internal pipe diameter. Minimising the pressure drop across these valves minimises pumping losses. Correctly specified, these components can make a significant cumulative contribution to energy efficiency.

    Designers at Bideford College have selected components from Crane Fluid Systems in order to achieve these benefits.

    Other Requirements The HVAC components need to be more than just efficient, of course. Easy installation and maintenance and a high level of quality are also required.

    Crane Pro-Balance valves have been designed to give fast and effective commissioning. Their fixed orifice technology - incorporating flow measurement and regulation into a single unit - reduces the number of on-site connections which need to be made, cutting the costs of installation. They can be used in any orientation without any change in performance.

    Keith Dixon of NPS added: "Crane Fluid Systems was selected to supply isolating and commissioning valves for Bideford College because it has a large range of quality commissioning valves which are preferred for their weight and space-saving.

    "Devon County Council has traditionally used Crane valves as they are good, reliable products."

    Carefully specifying the right HVAC hardware at the design stage - and then working with contractors to ensure that the specifications are translated into installations, not amended in pursuit of short-term cost savings - can deliver real additional benefits when striving to achieve sustainability in new school buildings.

    Andy Lucas is Product Manager for Crane Building Services

    Related: Download article from MBS.

    

    Crane Fluid Systems D931 ProBalance static balancing valves control the fluid flow to deliver precisely the right amount of hot or cold water.

    

    Crane Fluid Systems D931 ProBalance static balancing valves control the fluid flow to deliver precisely the right amount of hot or cold water.

    

    Bideford College under construction.

• HATTERSLEY HELPS KUWAIT SPECIAL FORCES KEEP THEIR COOL Click for more>

  August 27th 2009 13

  • Hattersley has supplied a range of valves for Kuwait's Special Forces Facility in Sulaibhia which is due to be completed in November 2009.

    A number of products have been supplied for the project including Hattersley gate valves, check valves, metering stations, regulating valves, ductile butterfly valves and Y strainers. All the valves and metering stations are for use in the installation and commissioning of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC) system. The HVAC system is part of a KD4.5 million (£9.8 million) construction project.

    Day-time temperatures in Sulaibhia reach 45°C in summer, night-time temperatures drop as low as minus 2°C in the winter and desert sandstorms occur throughout the year. It is therefore essential that the HVAC system is robust, able to regulate climatic extremes and cope with external contamination.

    Hattersley products were selected because all the valves and metering stations are precision manufactured with proven performance and are designed for pressures of 16 bar and temperature ranges of minus 10°C up to 100°C. The valves will control the flow of hot and chilled water through the HVAC system.

    All Hattersley's products specified for the project were supplied via Middle East distributor Rezayat Trading Company Ltd Savio Rodrigues of Rezayat Trading Company said: "In a project of this size it is essential to have precise control over the air quality." The contractor's intention is to provide the most technologically advanced HVAC system available that is energy efficient and maintains premium indoor air quality through adequate ventilation and thermal comfort.

    "Hattersley products were specified because they are the most reliable and cost effective product amongst competitors and enable the contractor to install and precisely control the system during commissioning and beyond."

    The combination of valves and metering stations will give the contractors the flexibility to separately commission and maintain the heating and cooling systems throughout the facility. The valves and metering stations are compliant with the latest industry standards, including the Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme (WRAS), which are designed to prevent waste and contamination, regulate water consumption and ensure accuracy of measurement.

    

     

• CRANE FS LAUNCHES NEW DZR BALL VALVE RANGE Click for more>

  August 24th 2009 12

  • Crane Fluid Systems (www.cranefs.com) - a brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities - has launched a new range of DZR brass ball valves for water, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

    The newly developed Crane D171A DZR ball valve series is WRAS approved and can be used over a temperature range of -10 to +120°C. The range will cover eight threaded sizes from 0.25 to 2.0 inches and six compression sizes from 15 to 54 mm.

    Crane's new design of DZR ball valve includes a number of improvements which add strength, improve leak resistance and reduce the risk of damage through over tightening during installation - all of which have been known problems throughout the building services industry.

    A fundamental change has been to add a 'primary' metal-to-metal seal on the body seat retainer joint combined with Loctite 648 on the threads. A 'secondary' O ring seal has been added as well (for the threaded versions) so the valve remains resilient even under extreme installation conditions.

    A permanently-attached tear and water-resistant installation tag is a valuable extra aid. Outlining best practice, the tag specifies the number of wrench turns needed, according to size, as specified in BS EN 10226-2 for taper threads or compression pipes.

    Designed to be lightweight, compact and easy to install and operate, the new valves have a range of operating handle options including quarter turn lever, extended stem lever, 'T' handle and lockshield. Quarter turn operation provides positive isolation in conjunction with PTFE seats and stem seals.

    Related: Download article from Pham News.

    Related: Download article from www.heatingandventilation.net

    

    The new Crane D171A DZR ball valve.

    

    The new Crane D171A DZR ball valve cutaway.

• JASON BALL RETURNS TO HATTERSLEY Click for more>

  August 24th 2009 11

  • 
    

    Jason Ball has rejoined the leading building services valve manufacturer, Hattersley, as an Area Sales Manager in the London region.

    Jason is returning to Hattersley after working as a Senior Sales Manager for Tour and Andersson Limited for two and a half years. Jason has a wealth of experience in the HVAC industry, including four years with Pegler/Hattersley valves as Divisional Sales Manager and then as Regional Sales Manager for Grundfos Pumps.

    Jason is married and lives with his two children in Slough.

• HEALTHY OUTLOOK FOR CRANE VALVES Click for more>

  August 19th 2009 10

  • Pro-Balance bronze balancing valves from Crane Fluid Systems are among the products being installed as part of a low energy M&E package at a new-build healthcare development at Brierley Hill, West Midlands.

    Contractor Carrillion Planned Maintenance has begun construction of the 11,000 sq m Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre which is due to be completed in February 2010. The building services element of the project incorporates almost £30,000 worth of valves from Crane Building Services & Utilities of which Crane Fluid Systems is a brand.

    Crane's Pro-Balance bronze balancing valves use fixed orifice technology to ensure fast commissioning and enhanced regulating performance. Their compact design means they take up less space and the integral orifice reduces the need for on-site jointing, bringing installed cost savings.

    Half of the £26.9 million centre is naturally ventilated while the other half relies on traditional HVAC systems. One side of the building is adjacent to a busy road so natural ventilation was deemed unsuitable in this area. Over 1,200 Crane valve units will control the heating and chilled water flow through fan coil units within the five storey building.

    ‘In this instance we've used mainly radiant panels for the heating system,’ explains Paul Hardy, project manager at Carrillion Planned Maintenance. ‘The Crane valves play a key role in this. We know there will be no problems after installation as every unit is tested at Crane before delivery to us.’

    Designed by Steffian Bradley Architects of St John Street, London, the flagship centre will provide 21st century healthcare facilities for Dudley Primary Care Trust. It has been thermally modelled by M&E consultants Elementa to ensure summertime temperatures do not exceed 26.5°C.

    Related: Download article from www.buildingtalk.com.

    

    Brierley Hill Health and Social Care Centre.
    Image Steffian Bradley Architects

    

    Pro-Balance bronze balancing valve

• DAISY MANINANTAN JOINS VIKING JOHNSON Click for more>

  July 9th 2009 9

  • 
    

    Daisy Maninantan has joined Viking Johnson as an area sales manager for Asia.

    Daisy Maninantan has joined Viking Johnson as an Area Sales Manager for Asia. Viking Johnson is a leading brand of Crane Building Services & Utilities, which supplies pipe joints as well as repair and flow control products.

    Based in the Philippines, Daisy will also cover the utilities sector in Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Daisy has been a country representative for Viking Johnson in the Philippines since 2004 and has also represented other Crane Building Services & Utilities brands that are sold through distributors in that country. Her new position strengthens the company's representation in South East Asia.

    Prior to working for Glynwed Pipe Systems- a distributor of products to the water sector- Daisy held managerial positions in an administration and consultancy company and in a tours and transportation business. She has a degree in psychology and obtained an MBA at the International Academy of Management and Economics in Manila.

• VIKING JOHNSON COUPLINGS SPECIFIED FOR MAJOR BULGARIAN WATER PROJECT Click for more>

  July 6th 2009 8

  • Viking Johnson has been chosen as the supplier of large diameter couplings for the new £40 million pipeline network which will supply the Bulgarian city of Ruse with drinking water. The pipeline, which is 21 kilometres long and 1.2 metres in diameter, is being laid to connect Ruse, which is the largest Bulgarian city on the River Danube, with natural water sources in the Slivo Pole area to the north-east of the city.

    As part of the project, Viking Johnson, a division of Crane Building Services & Utilities, is supplying 70 PN10 and PN16 stepped couplings. These are being used to join the glassfibre reinforced pipe mains to the ductile iron branch pipes, coping with differences in diameter of up to 30 mm on the nominal 1,200 mm diameter pipes.

    The couplings are specifically designed to join pipes of disparate materials and sizes and have features to accommodate expansion and contraction and post-installation settlement. They have EDPM gaskets to ensure long-lasting security against leakage and are coated with Rilsan Nylon 11, which is highly resistant to impact, corrosion, abrasion and chemical attack, to give long life performance.

    The Viking Johnson couplings were selected due to their proven quality, 50 year service life and ease of installation. They were supplied to the project through the Viking Johnson Bulgarian agent Glynwed EOOD.

    Ilian Milev at V & K (Water Supply and Sewage) said: ‘Viking Johnson couplings have an international reputation for reliability in joining pipes of different materials and diameters. They were a natural choice for this major water supply project.’

    The Ruse project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. It is being carried out for local utility V ∓ K (Water Supply and Sewage) by German-based contractor Meyer & John and local pipe laying sub-contractor Raicommerce. The consulting engineers are Royal Haskoning of The Netherlands and EGIS BCEOM International of France.

    Related: Download article from Drain Trader.

    Related: Download article from Water and Sewer Journal.

    

    A Viking Johnson coupling being fitted to the Ruse water main.

• WASK EQUIPMENT USED TO REPLACE 1,000 YORKSHIRE FIRE HYDRANTS Click for more>

  June 14th 2009 7

  • Crane Building Services & Utilities has supplied equipment under its WASK brand to replace more than 1,000 defective fire hydrants for Yorkshire Water over the past year.

    Traditionally, hydrant replacement is accomplished by shutting the main, either using valves or normal line-stopping equipment. Both these procedures can involve depriving surrounding properties of water supply and disturbing sediment in the pipes.

    The WASK Hydrant Wizard allows fire hydrants to be replaced without major excavation work or the need to cut off the customer supply. Sediment in the main is not disturbed and the costs of labour and materials are kept to the minimum.

    The Hydrant Wizard isolates the hydrant by inserting a small Sarco Stopper stopping bag into the 'leg', between the hydrant and the main, through a small hole which is drilled under pressure. The bag is automatically inflated to obstruct the pipe, enabling the old hydrant to be removed and replaced. The water supply to the new hydrant is restored by deflating and removing the bag. The access hole is then plugged.

    The new WASK Hydrant Wizard has now been used in more than 1,000 successful hydrant replacement operations by two of Yorkshire Water's key long term contractors, Morrison Utility Services & H20. Throughout these operations, the water supply to around 100,000 homes within the Yorkshire Water region was maintained.

    Tony Hanks of Morrison Utility Services said: "The WASK Hydrant Wizard is enabling us to provide a better service to Yorkshire Water and, ultimately, to its customers. The innovative design eliminates disruption to water supplies during the process of hydrant replacement."

    Recent work has seen the Hydrant Wizard used for hydrant replacement in Leeds, York, Hull, Doncaster, Sheffield, Bradford and Wakefield.

    In May 2009 the WASK Hydrant Wizard was a winner in the Most Innovative Use of an Existing Technology category in the 2009 Water Industry Achievement Awards.

    
    

    A WASK Hydrant Wizard being used on site.

    
    

    A demonstration model of the WASK Hydrant Wizard showing the
    flow cut off by a stopper bag inflated in the pipe.

    
    

    A demonstration model of the WASK Hydrant Wizard.

• DIVERS INSTALL ECCENTRIC PLUG VALVE IN RESERVOIR TUNNEL Click for more>

  May 7th 2009 6

  • A team of specialist divers - working in a cramped, water-filled tunnel 20 metres beneath the surface of a reservoir - has just completed installation of an eccentric plug valve to control water flow.

    The valve and associated equipment has been supplied to United Utilities by Viking Johnson, a world leader in the supply of pipe joints and repair and flow control products. Viking Johnson is part of Crane Building Services & Utilities.

    The valve has been installed at the end of a tunnel which runs beneath the dam holding back 332,000 cubic metres of water in the Grizedale Reservoir.

    The reservoir was built in 1866 by forming a 22 metre high, 120 metre long earth embankment across the valley of Grizedale Brook to act as the wall of the dam.

    A tunnel - 1.8 metres wide and 1.7 metres high - beneath the dam takes water from the reservoir to a pump house from where it is pumped up to the nearby Barnacre North Reservoir before it flows under gravity to the treatment works at Franklaw.

    A gate valve sited near the outlet has for many years controlled water flow through the tunnel. However, recent inspections showed that the valve was no longer adequate. In order to improve operational control of the water flow without reducing the water level in the reservoir or potentially polluting the downstream watercourse it was decided to install a secondary valve.

    Viking Johnson was selected to supply this replacement valve which, rather than being of a gate design, is of the ‘eccentric plug’ type. This will provide United Utilities with the ability to not only isolate but also control the flow when transferring water to Barnacre.

    The eccentric plug valve requires only a one-quarter turn of the shaft between its fully open and fully closed positions, therefore making it relatively easy to automate its operation for submerged duty.

    In addition to the valve Viking Johnson has provided a total solution including the bespoke actuation system, a specially-designed hydraulic power pack and an emergency hand pump facility for the hydraulic system which permits the valve to be operated in the event of electrical supply failure. The system also includes almost 400 metres of high specification stainless steel braided hydraulic hose lines running between the valve and the pump house.

    A team of ten divers winched the valve and actuator, weighing almost three quarters of a tonne, along the tunnel on a specially designed trolley. Viking Johnson provided the diving company with a ‘dummy’ valve ahead of the installation to permit the divers to practice manoeuvring it in controlled conditions within a training facility.

    On site at Grizedale the divers used a decompression chamber housed on a floating pontoon above the submerged tunnel entrance, 20 metres beneath the surface, to permit them to work for up to 70 minutes at a time.

    The 450 mm bore Viking Johnson eccentric plug valve is designed to give reliable service for many years in this almost inaccessible location. Manufactured in cast iron using high pressure moulding techniques the valve incorporates a nickel welded seat for corrosion resistance, specially profiled for low torque and extended valve life.

    The valve is trunnion-supported and fully encapsulated in elastomeric polymer with a valve body fully internally and externally lined with epoxy.

    The eccentric plug design ensures that the ductile iron plug - fitted on permanently lubricated austenitic stainless steel bearings - rotates away from the seat as soon as movement begins, avoiding scuffing and therefore extending the operational life of the valve.

    Graham Biggs, business development manager for Viking Johnson, said: "This unique and complex project has required close co-ordination with a number of specialist companies and personnel including Eric Wright Civil Engineering, Shakespeare Engineering Supplies, Rotork Fluid Systems, Consortium Underwater Engineers Ltd, Red 7 Marine diving contractors and MWH project consultants working alongside United Utilities capital maintenance, site operations and project management teams.

    "The custom-built design and the engineering quality of the new eccentric plug valve and its automation and power system means that it will be very many years before such an operation is required again to replace it."

    James Tresnan, United Utilities project manager, said: "Grizedale was a particularly challenging project. Installing a 450 mm diameter valve 50 metres along a 1.7 metre high brick arch tunnel should never be classed as straightforward. But when the tunnel is submerged 20 metres below water and the silt in it results in zero visibility for the divers, then the degree of difficulty is amplified tenfold.

    "This was the situation at Grizedale. Consequently it was key that we worked with our contractors and suppliers from an early stage in the development of the scheme to ensure that we simplified the construction activities whilst at the same time achieving the required functionality. Viking Johnson was part of the strong team that was developed on this project and worked with us to assist in the successful delivery of the scheme."

    Related: Download article from Water Active June 2009.

    Related: View article on www.web4water.com

    Related: View article on Wet News

    Related: Download article from Wet News

    Related: View article on www.waterbriefing.org

    Related: Download article from Water Briefing.

    Related: Download article from www.enviromental-expert.com

    
    

    View of pump house where the valve controls are situated.

    
    

    The diving pontoon in position on the lake.

    
    

    The Viking Johnson valve and trolley being lowered into the lake.

    Photos courtesy of United Utilities.

• HYDRANT WIZARD SELECTED AS AWARD FINALIST Click for more>

  April 17th 2009 5

  • 

    The WASK Hydrant Wizard has been selected as one of four finalists in the Most Innovative New Technology category in the 2009 Water Industry Achievement Awards.

    WASK is part of Crane Building Services & Utilities. Its new Hydrant Wizard allows defective fire hydrants to be replaced without major excavation works, cutting off the supply or disturbing sediment in the main. It permits the work to be undertaken much more quickly and at much lower cost than using traditional techniques.

    The Hydrant Wizard isolates the hydrant by means of a small stopping bag which is inserted into the ‘leg’ between the hydrant and the main through a small hole which is drilled under pressure. The stopping bag automatically inflates enabling the old hydrant to be removed and replaced before the water supply is restored by deflating and removing the bag. The access hole is then plugged.

    Because flow in the main is not disrupted, water supply to surrounding properties is maintained and there is no disturbance of sediment in the main which could otherwise give rise to complaints about water quality. Excavation is restricted to a small area around the hydrant itself, minimising the costs of labour and materials.

    Traditionally, hydrant replacement is accomplished by shutting the main, either using valves or normal line-stopping equipment. This usually means surrounding properties are deprived of water and sediment is then disturbed when the supply is restored, potentially giving rise to complaints about water discolouration.

• CRANE WINS KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AWARD Click for more>

  April 14th 2009 4

  • 
    

    Pictured, l-r: Iain Gray (Chief Executive, Technology Strategy Board), Fiona Nightingale (KTP Senior Advisor), Dr Steve Douglas (Principal Lecturer, School of Engineering, LJMU), Brian Travis (Managing Director, Crane Building Services & Utilities), Gareth Black (KTP Associate, Crane Building Services & Utilities), Lord Paul (Chancellor or the Universities of Westminister and Wolverhampton), Dr Dave Allanson (Principal Lecturer, School of Engineering, LJMU), Susan Thomson (KTP Manager, LJMU), Jonathan Clegg (Crane Building Services & Utilities).

    The St Helens, Lancashire, manufacturing plant of Crane Building Services & Utilities and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) have together won the ‘Best EPSRC Funded Partnership 2009’ title in the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 2009 Awards ceremony.

    Knowledge Transfer Partnerships involve the forming of a partnership between a company and an academic institution in order to give the company access to skills and expertise which can help it to develop.

    Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are funded by the government‘s Technology Strategy Board and 17 other funding organisations, including the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the government's leading funding agency for research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.

    Crane Building Services & Utilities provides solutions for balancing and controlling water systems in commercial buildings and for connecting the same or disparate pipe materials for water distribution. It also supplies fittings and equipment for the safe transmission, control and connection of gas.

    Steve Douglas and Dave Allanson, principal lecturers within the LJMU School of Engineering, and former KTP Associate Gareth Black won the ‘Best EPSRC Funded Partnership’ award in partnership with Crane Building Services & Utilities.

    Selected for the title from approximately 400 eligible programmes, this was one of only two awards made by the EPSRC in recognition of outstanding achievements within the field of engineering and is the first Partnership Award to be given to an LJMU assisted project.

    This is the second time the partnership between the company and LJMU has received public endorsement from the KTP scheme, with Gareth Black having previously won a Business Leader of Tomorrow award in 2007.

• CRANE DISTRIBUTOR SALES CONFERENCE Click for more>

  March 12th 2009 3

  • Images of our "Excellence in Execution" Distributor Sales Conference.
    Letchworth Hall Hotel, February 26th - 27th 2009

  •  

    The Conference was attended by representatives from:

    Al Mutawaa Trading Co LLC, Aliaxis, Arkema Ltd, Eldac Consultancy Ltd, FIP S.p.A. Friatec AG, Glynwed EOOD, Glynwed GMBH, Glynwed S.R.O. Glynwed SRL, Glynwed UAB, GPS Pipe Systems, Greenray International Ltd, Grup Romet SA, Humberto Pocas S.A, Hydravlis Ltd, Imbema Denso BV, Indutek, Industri Belos AB, Klinger Saidi Lda, Kristaly KFT, Kuwait Maritime & Mercantile Co KSC,Lanka Develoment, Lining Oy, Lirom, M & E Turnkey Engineers, Marley Polska SP. Z. o.o. Pan Asian Water Solutions Ltd, Phanos N. Epiphaniou Public Ltd, Rezayat Trading Company Ltd, Setcom, Tran-Sig-Ma, Vigotecakatherm NV, Vodopromet D.O.O

• CRANE REBRANDS TO REFLECT BREADTH OF CAPABILITIES Click for more>

  February 12th 2009 2

  • Ipswich-based Crane Limited is changing its name to Crane Building Services & Utilities to reflect recent changes in its business and the products and capabilities which it now offers.

    Managing Director Peter Wilson said: "Our business has grown rapidly over the past four years and many people may not be aware of the breadth of products and services that we are now able to offer to the building services, gas and water markets. Crane Building Services & Utilities is far more descriptive of who and what we are."

    The company has evolved as a result of Crane acquiring in 2003 the businesses of Viking Johnson, Helden and WASK; in 2004 the business of Hattersley; and in September 2008 the business of Delta Fluid Products. Each of these acquisitions extended the company's product portfolio and opened new markets.

    Crane Building Services & Utilities describes the range of markets in which the company now operates.

    In the building services market it provides valves, pipe fittings, flow indicators, manifold systems and related products for balancing and controlling water systems in commercial buildings. Its portfolio of well-known brands for this market includes Crane Fluid Systems Hattersley, NABIC, Brownall, Rhodes, Wade and IAT.

    For the water market, Crane Building Services & Utilities provides a range of products for connecting the same or disparate pipe materials and it is able to offer the widest range of water couplings of any single company. Its water brands include Viking Johnson, WASK, Posiflex and Helden.

    For the gas industry it manufactures a range of connectors, fittings, valves and equipment for the safe transmission, measurement and connection of gas. Its brand portfolio in this market includes WASK service and mains fittings and equipment and Sperryn valves, regulators and meter installation kits.

    Peter Wilson said: "Although focused on different market sectors, we are united in our common commitment to deliver highly engineered products and to provide safe solutions which are delivered to our customers with the highest level of service."

    "The name Crane speaks of who we are, what we stand for, and hopefully how our customers perceive us - a company with history and tradition but also a company that is innovative, quality minded and acts with integrity."

• EXHIBITIONS 2009 Click for more>

  1

  • Exhibitons see us here!

    H&V Birmingham, NEC, UK 24-26th February

    ISH Frankfurt, Germany 10-14th March

    Wasser Berlin, Germany 30th March - 3rd April

    World Gas Buenos Aires, Argentina 5-9th October

    M&E Olympia, London 7-8th October

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Simon Shand-Brown
Crane Building Services & Utilities
Group Marketing Communications Manager
01473 277300

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Crane Building Services & Utilities
Marketing Assistant
01473 277 379